Volkswagen Polo Voted Europe’s 2010 Car Of The Year

The 2010 European Car of the Year has been announced, and in the very closest of contests the U.S.-bound Volkswagen Polo has taken out the top spot with 347 points. The Polo edged out the Toyota iQ by just ten points, while the Opel (Vauxhall) Astra took third place, with 221 points.

The Polo is the first Volkswagen Car of the Year award winner in 18 years, following a win in 1992 by the Golf.

The European Car of the Year awards is judged by a panel of 59 members, representing 23 European countries. National representation on the panel is related to the size of the country's car market and its importance in car manufacturing, with France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain topping the list with six members each.

This year’s narrow victory emphasizes the high level of this year’s competition, which had 37 initial candidates and seven finalists. Of the total 59 judges, 25 gave the Polo top points, while 20 put the iQ in first place.

To be eligible, the cars must be available for sale in at least five European countries within the 12 month period prior.

I know this doesn't need to be said, but N.A. buyers won't pay what VW would have to charge to make it worth their while. Even with the Golf, they've had to do a whole lot of decontenting.Audi, on the other hand, can charge a few thou more. It's all in the brand, if not in the car.

gazzed
Posted: 11/30/2009 9:34pm PST

Deserving win for Volkswagen, but good on Opel for taking 3rd behind Toyota.

bepsf
Posted: 12/1/2009 11:10am PST

"N.A. buyers won't pay what VW would have to charge to make it worth their while."
Really? Folks are spending $20-30K for Smarts, Minis and C30s already...
...the Polo only has to be priced somewhat less than the Golf and be more economical and it will be an easy sell on both coasts and in urban areas.